PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Dear Sumac Families,As you know, many of our families have been affected by the recent fires and evacuations. I remain grateful for the ways we pulled together to support each other and our students. In particular, I want to acknowledge the school staff who have been working hard to make sure the campuses are cleaner than before the fire and that students and families feel supported.

Upon the return from break all teachers began to implement our 15 day transition plan. For students, this means a focus on trauma informed care – an approach that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effect of traumatic events. Trauma informed care emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety; the goal is to help our students to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. Specifically, we have implemented community circles school-wide in each classroom. The focus on collaborative community – building listening and speaking skills – strengthens our class and school bonds. Many excellent, age-appropriate trauma resources are available on our website: https://www.community360.me/fire-trauma-resourcesPlease read the rest of this newsletter for more ways you can help our community respond. We hear one another’s needs and are making choices to support our learning community. We are#SumacStrong!

This annual Sumac event is always fun for the kids to gather with their friends in a casual environment for story time, hot chocolate and cookies. Sumac teachers will pick out some favorite books and many join in the fun. And of course a percentage of all purchases that night (and online for those unable to attend) will benefit Sumac. We look forward to seeing you Friday night at Barnes & Noble!

SUMAC’S SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL TO REVIEW EMERGENCY PLAN

The School Site Council (SSC) will hold its second meeting on Thursday, December 6th at 3:00 pm in the Sumac library. Meetings are open to all Sumac families who are interested in attending.In light of recent events, the SSC will use the next meeting to review our Emergency Plan once again. Feedback from last year’s SSC improved the plan tremendously by focusing on usability. Our aim is to continually improve emergency planning and response.Information about the SSC can be found at: www.sumacpfa.org/school-site-council.html

LV FIRE RELIEF ADOPT A FAMILY

Concerned parents in the area created pop-up fire relief effort for our community, LVFireRelief.org. The drive is currently taking applications for those affected by the fires to register their Family Needs list via a Target or Bed Bath and Beyond registry. Those who would like to adopt a family, or purchase an item can do so directly on our website, choose a family and then see their registry list. All items are shipped directly to the family.

Additionally, you'll find many resources and events as part of relief efforts that benefit families.

PINS FOR SALE IN THE FRONT OFFICE, ONLY $5!

Have you seen our latest Voyager swag? It’s a pin perfect for backpacks, jackets and hats. See Judy in the front office to pick yours up today.

FAMILY STEAM NIGHT NEXT THURSDAY,​DEC. 13TH 5:30-7:30PM

Join us for this FREE mind-bending event of fun STEAM challenges and community building.​

UPDATE FROM THE PFA BOARD

In wake of fires that have so impacted our community we’ve witnessed an outpouring of love and compassion. One way we can continue to show solidarity is to support the financial needs of our school. Our 2018-19 donation drive is happening now. We need to raise $150,000 this year, which directly pays teachers, buys equipment, supplies, and so much more. We are achieving a lot together, having raised ~$55k to date. Please consider an end-of-year donation, no matter the amount, to our school.

— HOLIDAY SHOPPING HELPS SUMAC EARN --

Sumac PFA looks for every opportunity where we can raise money for the school’s programs without directly asking you for a donation. Our Earning for Sumac page highlights a number of ways Sumac earns money based on your regular holiday shopping (and throughout the year), and it won’t cost you a penny extra. Please use these links to help Sumac:

Smile.Amazon.comShop all products and categories​Shutterfly or TinyPrintsholiday cards, photo books, calendars, and other photo-customized gifts this weekend only PROMO CODES:BESTISBACK = 60% off SHIPCARDS = free shipping on cards

BarnesAndNoble.comBooks, games and other great gift ideas (Dec 7-10 only; you must enter bookfair ID 12471298 at checkout)

The Oaks Mall​ Shop, dine, or see a movie at The Oaks Mall, then submit your receipts online or in the front office. Sumac get’s a % of sales!

iGive.comShop nearly 2k online stores, including many major-name retailers; Or, with the free iGive browser button, you can support Sumac year-round with no special links or effort​

— VOYAGER SPONSORS --

SHERI’S PIANO PLACE

Having fun piano lessons yet? The breakthrough Australian Method has students playing 8 to 10 great-sounding classical, contemporary, blues and accompaniment pieces â€hands togetherâ€-â€”in just the first 3 months! No matter your age or experience level (ages 4 to 104), not only will you be playing your own music freely and with feeling and across the entire keyboard, itâ€™ll be fun and immediately achievable. New Year's Special of your first two lessons free when you attend a Free Introductory Session by January 19.

PRINCIPAL LOGAN’S NOTE

Sumac is a learning community, and our teachers continue to grow! Teachers are beginning one of two book studies: Teaching for Biliteracy or Grading from The Inside Out. These books will inform classroom instruction as we continue to strengthen our practice surrounding language bridging, supporting language learners, and mastery-based grading.

​A new computer adaptive program is our latest resource! Achieve3000 will support literacy in our dual programs, grades 3-8. We are eager to embed this excellent resource into our curriculum. We thank the Board of Education for adopting this essential resource for the LVUSD dual program.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

• Nov 2 Final day to turn in Gift Wrap orders & Showcase of Countries in MPR• Nov 6 Election Day & Rams come to Sumac!• Nov 7 Dia de los Muertos celebration in MPR• Nov 12 Veteran’s Day —No school• Nov 14 PFA Board Meeting 8:15AM in the library —we’re changing this to the AM and invite all parents to join us! Please note new date and time.• Nov 9-16 Parent/Teacher Conferences — Early dismissal at 12:15pm for all grades

THE RAMS ARE COMING TO TOWN!

On Tuesday, Nov. 6th, the Rams will be coming to sign holiday cards with students in grades 1-5. A film crew will be on campus, so please wear your Sumac or Rams gear to school!

CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS

Extraordinary Service to LVUSD!Join us in congratulating the efforts and dedication of the following staff members Dawn Siggard celebrates 15 yearsCheryl Argano celebrates 20 years Nancy Johnson celebrates 20 years

PUMPKINPALOOZA THANKS!

Thank you to all that came out to Pumpkinpalooza! We had a great time Trunk or Treating, jumping in the bouncy houses and hitting up all the fun games.​— THE BIG WINNERS!--Trunk or Treat winner was the super spooky “ButcherShop" Sawyer Scallions (Dual, 2nd) with parents Abby Gennet and Brett Scallions.

2nd Grade won with their creative make your own Q-Tip skeleton craft table station!

and Indiana Davis (Dual, 1st) won for her homemade sushi costume.

​A big shout-out to MC & organizer Sonya Butcher, all our parent volunteers and sponsors for putting on such a great party!

Who will walk away with the trophies next year? Start planning now!

THIS MONTH’S VALIANT VOYAGERS​AWARDED FOR MINDFULNESS AND THOUGHTFULNESS

—VOYAGER SPONSORS–

PRINCIPAL LOGAN’S NOTE

October is Mindfulness and Thoughtfulness Month. According to the Child Mind Institute, one of the most stressful times of the day happen when we get ready for school. Big Life Journal has some great suggestions to help the morning run smoothly.

THE GREAT CALIFORNIA SHAKEOUT

Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10:18am Sumac will join LVUSD and most CA schools in a disaster drill. We hold our drop and cover drill for this exercise.

RED RIBBON WEEK

Next week will be Red Ribbon Week and our theme is Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds. Students will take their healthy pledge and we will have a guest at our Friday assembly to support fitness. Students will have spirit days and the counselor will be going into classrooms for a healthy peer relations lesson - recognizing the difference between being rude, mean, and bullying. More info on Sumac's Red Ribbon Spirit activities...

GHOST-A-GRAMS ON SALE NEXT WEEK

Ghost-a-grams are a great way to send some fun to a friend, sibling, teacher, or anyone else. They are lollipops wrapped as ghosts delivered Halloween Day. Wish someone a BOOtiful Halloween. Available each day from the Sumac Student Council.​50¢ each or 3 for $1

ANNUAL GIFT WRAP FUNDRAISER!

Our annual gift wrap fundraiser will begin this Friday, October 19th. This is a great way to support Sumac and get some fun items for yourself and friends. All order must be placed by Friday, November 2nd in order to be received before the holidays! Look in your students backpack for catalogs and more information.

New School Council Members (winners of election) ​

Congrats to the the following students who campaigned and won this year's election:​Nora Farkas - PresidentTanner Klein- Vice PresidentCaden Albright- TreasurerBuck Heffernan- SecretaryEllie Connolly - Publicity

PUMPKIN PALOOZA FESTIVAL

Sumac's Pumpkin Palooza is just around the corner! Join us on Saturday, October 27, from noon - 4:00 pm forFood, Fun and Games for Everyone...Big and Small!

School Site Council Updates

Our SSC is reviewing student achievement data. On Thursday, Dec. 6 at 3PM in the library we will review our data from District and State Testing. SSC approved our 18/19 goals focusing on college and career readiness, equity and opportunity, whole child, and professional development. The SPSA Executive Summary is posted outside the main office window and will soon be available on the website. ​

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Oct 19 Gift Wrap Fundraiser Kickoff

Oct 19 Coffee & Conversations

Oct 27 Pumpkin Palooza at Sumac

​Oct 30 School Board Candidate Panel 7:00pm​Agoura High School PAEC

Oct 31 Halloween Parade 8:30 on the blacktop

Nov 2 Final day to turn in Gift Wrap orders

Nov 5 LVUSD Community 360 -​On the Way to School 6:00-8:00pm at Agoura High School PAEC

Nov 6: Election Day • Go to the polls!

Nov 7 PFA Board Meeting 8:30AM in the library — we’ve changed this month's meeting to the morning and invite all parents to join us!

CRAZY HAIR DAY!

Friday, October 19 is CRAZY HAIR DAY - Wear your hair in a crazy way to show your spirit.

THE PFA NEEDS YOU!

We have a number of Committee Chair openingsand we'd love for you to volunteer and be a part of what makes Sumac special!

Additionally, we've moved our next PFA meeting to the morning so that more parents might join us. Our next PFA meeting is Nov 7th at 8:30am. Mark your calendar and see you there!

ABSENCES

WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS

Wear your sports or favorite college wear each Wednesday morning. The Fun Run begins each Wednesday morning at 7:45am. Families are welcome to participate!

— VOYAGER SPONSORS --

Have you checked out Voyager sponsor LeXT Robo Academy? They’re offering FREE classes this week and the rest of next week for Sumac families! Text or call Christina at 818.699.2388 or email lextrobo@gmail.com and set up your class today! www.lextusa.com

PRINCIPAL LOGAN’S NOTE

Congratulations to the first recipients of our Valiant Voyagers Awards! On Friday, Sept. 28th, the children were presented with a certificate during morning assembly and recognized for their Positive Mindset, one of our six Student 360 dispositions. We’re so proud of them and the radiating effect they have on our community! Encourage Positive Mindset in your household with practicing daily gratitudes.

— OCTOBER STUDENT 360 FOCUS IS MINDFULNESS AND THOUGHTFULNESS --

Being present and in the moment. Listening authentically. Being focused and aware.

STUDENT COUNCIL

ABSENCES

Have you been seeing stickers with “vote for me!” messages? Our 5th grade students have been campaigning for a position in the Sumac Student Council. Thursday morning they gave speeches each campaigning for their position with voting taking place school-wide on Friday Oct 5th. We’ll post final winners in our next Voyager! ​

GET YOUR APPAREL ORDER IN BY FRIDAY!

By popular demand we’re doing another apparel run! Order the 2018 Limited Edition Skateboarding Astronaut (it won’t be here forever!) or the Voyager Helmet.

Get a super comfy zip-up jacket just in time for the fall weather or grab our super-soft classic tri-blend T-shirts! T-shirt’s available in youth and adult sizes and either blue/grey or green colors. Zip-up available only in blue.

NOTE: adult sizes are running about one size large in both the shirts and jackets.) Get your order in by Friday to receive it by the 19th!

PFA FUNDRAISING UPDATE

30% of our families have contributed to our Direct Donation Drive and we’re currently at $32,500! It is never too late to contribute and no contribution is too small! All donations go directly to funding your child’s education. The PFA uses the money to provide teachers for Art-Science, P.E. and Library, as well as other supplies and ways to improve Sumac. If you haven’t yet, please donate today at sumacpfa.org/donate or grab a form in the front office.​PFA MEETINGSOur next meeting will be on Nov 7th at 8:15am. We welcome all parents to join in the discussion and participate with us!

WELCOME OUR NEW SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL!

PLAYGROUND PLEDGE

Thanks to these parents for volunteering: Anneke Emerson, Tammy Stafford, Jake Davis, Sam Spiewak, Rungano MashapureThis group will review and approve three major plans for the year:

Single Plan for Student Achievement

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Comprehensive Student Behavior Support Plan

This past Tuesday we refocused and committed our school-wide playground pledge. The students were provided a green flyer to sign and return. Voyagers are asked to: Be Safe. Be Responsible. Be Respectful.

​

WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS

Wear your sports or favorite college wear. Fun run begins at 7:45am. Families are welcome to participate! Join us October 10 @ Sumac Park to walk in the morning in honor of International Walk to School Day

—VOYAGER SPONSORS--

Sheri’s Piano Place

Having fun piano lessons yet? Check us out! The breakthrough Australian Method has kids and adults playing 8 to 10 great-sounding classical, contemporary, blues and accompaniment pieces ”hands together”-—in just the first 3 months! Due to popularity, we’ve extended our free introductory session for Sumac families and two free lessons when you call by October 5th! (818) 486-4743 www.sherispianoplace.com/register-nowSheri Reingold, Master Simply Music Teacher, 15 yrs — Oak Park Studio ​​

PRINCIPAL LOGAN’S NOTE

Guy Winch, a psychologist and author, asks us to take our emotional health as seriously as we take our physical health -- and explores how to heal from common heartaches. He makes a compelling case to practice emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions, our minds, with the same diligence we take care of our bodies. Check out “The Case for Emotional Hygiene” — an important TED Talk about self-care.

—VOYAGER SPONSORS--

The Piano Place Having fun piano lessons yet?Check us out! The breakthrough Australian Method has kids and adults playing 8 to 10 great-sounding classical, contemporary, blues and accompaniment pieces ”hands together”-—in just the first 3 months! Free introductory session for Sumac families and two free lessons when you call by September 21!(818) 486-4743 Sheri Reingold, Master Simply Music Teacher, 15 yrs — Oak Park Studio

YMCA

The 60,000 sq ft Yarrow Family Y is opening in Westlake next spring and NOW is your chance to get special membership rates. Rates will increase once we fill our available spaces, so don’t wait…JOIN NOW!

PRINCIPAL LOGAN’S NOTE

Sumac STUDENT 360 September Focus — Positive MindsetAt Sumac safety is a priority for every child, every day. We know safety comes from physical and emotional well being. Our social emotional focus of the month is on developing a positive mindset. There are many ways to build this muscle memory. One way we are trying as a staff to build our own mindset is through a 21 day gratitude challenge. It is easy for me to find three things for which I am grateful: (1) the fantastic Sumac community who came out for the PFA and Volunteer Summit this week (2) the music at our Friday morning assemblies - join us tomorrow - and (3) the beautiful bulletin boards that adorn our hallways. Try to take some time to list a few things you are grateful for each day!Activity: 21-Day Gratitude Challenge

Fall 2018 Community 360 Learning SeriesPlease join us for the Fall 2018 Community 360 Learning Series. This year we have a variety of book conversations, movie screenings, and podcasts for the whole community to participate in for free! More information for September’s Events can be found through: www.Community360.me/Events.—Principal Liberty Logan

DID YOU TURN IN YOUR DIRECT DONATION FORM?

Each year we raise money to pay for the amazing programs that make up our special L•STEM program. Why? Your state taxes only cover the basics: buildings, teachers, instructional books, and desks. It’s actually the PFA (Parent Faculty Association) who pays for the additional teachers, staff, equipment and more (which roughly cost $150,000) which is why fundraising is so important! Please turn in your Direct Donations forms to the front office or pay online at www.sumacpfa.org/donate.​Your tax-deductible donation—no matter the amount—makes a huge difference, so don’t be shy and please donate today!

CALLING ALL PARENTS!

We are in immediate need for volunteers to join our Fall Festival committee! Contact Sonya Bucher sonya@sumacpfa.org and volunteer with us today. Your kids will love seeing you participate and, let’s be real, everything runs smoother with more hands!

SUMAC SPIRIT WEAR

PRE-ORDER YEARBOOKS!​Also on pre-sale are our yearbooks at $30 each. Prices go up to $35 after Sept 30th, so order now!​www.sumacpfa.org/gear

EASY MONEY: AMAZON SMILE PROGRAM

Are you an Amazon shopper? Save this URL and click on it each time you shop and Amazon will give Sumac a small percentage of the sale. To learn more and for quick links, check out:www.sumacpfa.org/earning

INTRODUCING: PROTECT & GIVE PROGRAM

Millennium Alarm Systems, Inc., an Authorized ADT Dealer, wants to protect and serve Sumac families and friends, while contributing to the fiscal well being of Sumac. When a SUMAC family and/or friend(s) subscribes to our service(s), we will make a donation of $100 to Sumac! We want to make a difference in our community! We specialize in home, office and commercial security protection. We provide an array of product(s) and service(s) to keep families, businesses and schools safe. Our products include ADT Camera Surveillance, Fire Monitoring, Carbon Monoxide Monitoring, Medical Alert Monitoring, Hostage Alert and many other vital service(s).

—VOYAGER SPONSORS--

Having fun piano lessons yet? Check us out!

The breakthrough Australian Method has kids and adults playing 8 to 10 great-sounding classical, contemporary, blues and accompaniment pieces—hands together--in just the first 3 months! You'll also be composing and improvising—immediately!

We're offering a free introductory session for Sumac kids and adults, so sign up today! Also, two free lessons when you call by September 17.

PRINCIPAL LOGAN’S WELCOME

I am thrilled to welcome the routine of a new school year for Sumac L-STEM Elementary. Please accept our congratulations. Way to go Voyagers! Does your new school year routine include nightly reading?Reading improves literacy skills and reading engaging and student selected books at the right level improves those skills at an even greater rate. We encourage no less than 15 minutes a day. 15 minutes seems to be the “magic number” at which students start seeing substantial positive gains in reading achievement; students who read just over a half-hour to an hour per day see the greatest gains of all.

​Our school library has thousands of titles! Every title is a reason to read each evening with your child. Enjoy your nightly voyages! We look forward to hearing the stories in the morning each school day. —Principal Liberty Logan

DIRECT DONATION CAMPAIGN—HAPPENING NOW!

Each year we raise money to pay for the amazing programs that make up our special L•STEM program. Why? Your state taxes only cover the basics: buildings, teachers, instructional books, and desks. It’s actually the PFA (Parent Faculty Association) who pays for the additional teachers, staff, equipment and more (which roughly cost $150,000) which is why fundraising is so important! Please turn in your Direct Donations forms to the front office or pay online at www.sumacpfa.org/donate. Your tax-deductible donation—no matter the amount—makes a huge difference, so don’t be shy and please donate today!

NEW AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES!

Our fun after-school program starts again in September! Your kids will love these fun classes: Moviemaking, Acting, Science, Art, Sports, Woodworking and Computer Programming. Sign up by Sept 6th and avoid the $20 late fee! www.sumacpfa.org/afterschool

NEW SUMAC SPIRIT WEAR IS HERE!

Every Friday is Spirit Day, so get your new gear today! We’ve got shirts, zip jackets, hats & enamel pins: www.sumacpfa.org/gear. Make sure to order in before August 31st to get your items by Sept 14th!

EASY MONEY: RALPHS REWARDS + SUMAC

Ralphs give-back program is free and easy...just shop, swipe your card & earn for Sumac! Enroll today!​ALREADY ENROLLED? The free Ralphs Club card has to be re-registered for each school year for Sumac to get credit each time you shop for groceries.

— ARE YOU IN THE KNOW?--

COMMUNICATIONS

You asked we listened! To streamline communications, Principal Logan and the PFA are combining our communications into this single newsletter. The PFA will no longer send out emails, and instead, this newsletter will be printed and sent home each Thursday with your child as well as posted here on the PFA website. We’ll also send out a quick reminder in ParentSquare to check backpacks and the website.

PARENTSQUARE ​(SITE & APP!)

ParentSquare is the go-to for teachers and the PFA to send out information. Sign up and get up-to-the-minute news from your student’s teachers, room parents, and the PFA, as well as connect with other parents! Also check out the calendar for upcoming events! www.parentsquare.com